Famous bassist Christian McBride shouldered the responsibility of hosting Newport Jazz Tribute to Chick Corea event organized by Newport Festivals Foundation. His close colleagues came together to pay tribute to legendary pianist Chick Corea and to talk about his life and contribution to jazz. The guests included esteemed musicians such as Herbie Hancock, John McLaughlin, Jack DeJohnette, Brian Blade and Béla Fleck.
The video stream lasted about 2.5 hours and it is accessible on Newport Jazz Festival’s Facebook page and the network site of the festival.
The video on Newport Jazz Festival webpage: https://newportfestivals.org/sessions/tribute-to-chick-corea
The video on the Newport Jazz Festival Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NewportJazzFest/videos/559581375013315/
You can see the timestamps of the speakers in order below:
⦁ John McLaughlin (00:03:07 – 00:05:57)
⦁ Kris Campbell, Bernie Kirsh (00:08:13 – 00:18:00)
⦁ Jack DeJohnette (00:19:10 – 00:27:40)
⦁ Lenny White (00:28:28 – 00:36:23)
⦁ Steve Gadd (00:38:08 – 00:46:35)
⦁ John Patitucci, Dave Weckl (00:48:18 – 01:01:20)
⦁ Billy Childs (01:02:45 – 01:12:24)
⦁ Bela Fleck (01:13:36 – 01:25:39)
⦁ Eddie Gomez (01:27:07 – 01:38:59)
⦁ Brian Blade (01:40:10 – 02:05:21)
⦁ Herbie Hancock (01:44:00 – 02:05:21)
⦁ Marcus Gilmore (02:07:35 – 02:20:35)
The list below shows the ages and the instruments these musicians play. Drummers make up the majority of the guests. There are 6 guests close to Chick Corea’s age, 79 and 4 of them are in their early 60s.
⦁ Christian McBride (48) (Bass)
⦁ John McLaughlin (79) (Guitar)
⦁ Jack DeJohnette (78) (Drums)
⦁ Kris Campbell (Chick Corea’s Manager, 2002-2020)
⦁ Bernie Kirsh (Recording/Sound Engineer)
⦁ Lenny White (71) (Drums)
⦁ Steve Gadd (75) (Drums)
⦁ John Patitucci (61) (Bass)
⦁ Dave Weckl (61) (Drums)
⦁ Billy Childs (63) (Piano)
⦁ Bela Fleck (62) (Banjo)
⦁ Eddie Gomez (76) (Bass)
⦁ Brian Blade (50) (Drums)
⦁ Herbie Hancock (80) (Piano)
⦁ Marcus Gilmore (34) (Drums)

Dave Weckl
Don’t miss out on John Patitucci and Dave Weckl who accompanied Chick Corea in his Elektric Band and Akoustic Band. They talk about and give examples to how they came together and their joyful conversations.
Another must-watch part features Herbie Hancock and Brian Blade. Herbie Hancock talks about their meeting in the 60s and how influenced they were by Chick Corea’s pieces.
Lastly, I am listing some of the musicians Chick Corea has shared the stage and recorded albums with. They are all awe-inspiring! Those who know, know! I will finish by saying “Check the Chick!”

John Patitucci
Return to Forever
Chick Corea – Keyboard
Stanley Clarke – Bass
Lenny White / Steve Gadd – Drums
Bill Connors / Frank Gambale / Al Di Meola – Guitar
Jean-Luc Ponty – Violin
Chick Corea Elektric Band
Chick Corea – Keyboard
John Patitucci – Electric Bass
Dave Weckl – Drums
Eric Marienthal – Alto Saxophone
Frank Gambale – Guitar
Chick Corea Akoustic Band
Chick Corea – Piano
John Patitucci – Doublebass
Dave Weckl – Drums
Chick Corea New Trio
Chick Corea – Piano
Avishai Cohen – Bass
Jeff Ballard – Drums
Some of the musicians he made duo projects with:
Herbie Hancock – Piano
Hiromi Uehara – Piano
Gary Burton – Vibraphone
Bobby McFerrin – Vocals
Béla Fleck – Banjo
Chick Corea – Piano
Steve Swallow – Doublebass
Joe Chambers – Drums
Joe Farrell – Tenor Saxophone, Flute
Woody Shaw – Trumpet
Chick Corea – Piano
Miroslav Vitouš – Doublebass
Roy Haynes – Drums
Chick Corea – Electric Piano
Dave Holland – Bass
Jack DeJohnette – Drums
Miles Davis – Trumpet
Steve Grossman – Saxophone
Airto Moreira – Percussion